Emotional blackmail

Consumerism as opiate of the masses (Sharon Beder)

Today I would like to talk to you about Emotional Blackmail.
Emotional Blackmail is an extremely interesting topic. What makes it so difficult to describe is the fact that it works on the emotional side of relationships and also sometimes is rather well disguised.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_blackmail


How does this link to consumerism? 

Through advertising.

A lot of ads try to make us buy the product by making us believe, that we will get better, more successful, more beautiful, faster or whatever else by buying their product. Automatically we are told all of the time that the way we are, we are not good enough and that instead of ameliorating our own skills, we are told that buying things will get us where we want to be. Which of course doesn't really work but starts a spiral of buying more and more to feel and be better.
It also numbs us to what is really going on around us, because we are so busy in the whole consumerism circus, that we don't notice other things. No interest in politics. No time for friends. No interest in reading or writing, in paining or dancing. Making shopping our world because we think it will make us better.
Also TV and films show us that way of life - going shopping as a pasttime. Purchasing items as a hobby. Comparing what you own and gaining status by having the newest, lightest, fastest or whatever automatic whatsit.

If people don't see who I am and respect me for the person I am, they won't like me more if I wear a golden rolex.

You can't just buy elegance or taste. You either have it, or you don't. (And IMHO this watch is not elegant. It is a lot of things, but not elegant.)